IPSWICH: Tributes have today been paid to a well-known businessman who has died after a battle with cancer.

David Brown, 76, was influential and highly regarded in the local land and property sector.

He was born in Old Foundry Road and remained in the town throughout his life. He became an apprentice bricklayer in 1951 and National Service with the RAF at Stradishall followed in 1956/57.

Mr Brown married Brenda, his wife of 52 years, in 1958 and joined the Ipswich property business Bloomfield, Meehan & Son.

It was this experience that drove him to launch his own estate agency, David Brown & Company, which was based in The Walk, in the early ‘60s.

Mr Brown, who lived in the Rushmere Road area of Ipswich, was heavily involved in the development of Stoke Park and the growth of Kesgrave and expanded into the Falcon Street premises which continue to bear his name today.

Business colleague Trevor Sparkes said: “As well as great commercial shrewdness, his business acumen was always underpinned by fairness and absolute integrity.”

Mr Brown retired from the company in the late 1990s but continued to work as a land agent, a role which he never relinquished.

His work was his hobby, but he was also a keen sportsman in his youth, playing cricket, football and table tennis in the Ipswich First Division.

He was an Ipswich Town ball boy in the 1947/8 season and became an enthusiastic long term season ticket holder at Portman Road.

His son Paul said: “The family has been overwhelmed by glowing tributes for my father. He was a highly regarded member of the local community who will be fondly remembered for his warmth and friendliness. He was a true gentleman.”

Mr Brown leaves a widow, Brenda, a son, Paul and grandchildren Zoe and Ben.

A celebration of his life will be held at Rushmere Church, tomorrow at 11am.

n Do you want to pay tribute to David Brown? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.